Companies Chosen for Lough Neagh Satellite Monitoring Initiative

Three companies have been selected for the initial phase of a project aimed at monitoring Lough Neagh from space. Each will receive a share of £360,000 to advance satellite technology and data, which could be utilized to enhance the detection and surveillance of blue-green algae in waterways across Northern Ireland. Proposals from Newcastle University, 3-DEO, and Plastic-i were successful among 40 bidders. Robert Hill, NI SPACE cluster manager, stated that space technology offers numerous opportunities for addressing environmental issues. He added, “By investing in innovative solutions, we’re aiming to demonstrate how advancements in space technology can drive better environmental monitoring, management and protection for the benefit of our communities and ecosystems.” Newcastle University’s project involves a water quality digital twin dashboard, which will integrate spatial and temporal data on water quality with information on the lough’s aquatic environmental state. Satellite applications company 3-DEO has partnered with the University of Stirling for its HABIT project – Harmful Algal Bloom Intelligent Twin. This platform will enable data to be used for decisions regarding bloom management. The third successful project is by specialist marine monitoring company Plastic-i, with subcontract work performed by MARBLE Aerospace. Named Bloomcast NI, it will develop AI (artificial intelligence) models to predict or mitigate blooms. The Small Business Research Initiative plays a role in the Lough Neagh Action Plan, which was launched in July by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs minister Andrew Muir. He commented that the use of pioneering space technology represented “what will hopefully be a significant step forward in mitigating the challenges posed by blue green algae.” The selected bidders will now develop proof of concepts by March 2025, with potential for further development in a second phase. NI SPACE runs this competition, in conjunction with the UK Space Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Blue-green algae once again caused Lough Neagh to turn bright green in Summer 2024, with detections on the North Coast in August after fragments of the blooms traveled down the Lower Bann River. However, unlike July 2023, no bathing bans were imposed as a result. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.